Growing up my aunt and mom sewed all the time (they made all my Halloween costumes and my aunt even sewed my mom’s wedding dress) but whenever I tried to learn on my mom’s machine I broke it. Not just jammed it or temporarily messed it up, I legitimately ruined it (at least six episodes ended with my mom carting it off to the shop and paying lots of money to get it repaired). And then I wasn’t encouraged to use it quite as much if you catch my drift. I don’t blame my mom at all. I was clearly cursed.
So in an insane turn of events, I recently purchased a nice affordable beginner sewing machine of my own with high hopes of DIYing a quilt and a fabric flag banner for Clara’s first birthday (using all of the fabrics that we picked up for her weekly photo project to create them). I figured it would come in handy for things like pillow and curtain making as well.
And I specifically picked something with great ratings (4.5 stars and over 150 customer reviews) on amazon.com (a Brother XL2600I) because I wanted something good for a beginner devoid of any “natural ability” whatsoever. Of course it didn’t hurt that it was around $100-200 cheaper than most fancy machines (on sale for just $89 – down from $149 – with free shipping). You know just in case I irreparably maimed it within a week of use. Which would not have surprised me. Hence the I’m-not-going-to-splurge-for-anything-great-just-yet approach.
So it arrived a few weeks ago. It has been testing me. Oh my goodness has it been testing me. Like, walk-calmly-into-the-bedroom-and-scream-into-a-pillow testing me.
I even had a hilariously miserable and desperate text message exchange with Katie B where I basically asked her to come over and peel me off the floor and wipe away my tears and spank my disobedient machine. Yeah, she didn’t come. But she did make me laugh by comparing me to Martha. I suggested that perhaps I was Martha’s uncoordinated lesser known sister (who I dubbed Bertha) and by the end of the little iPhone fest Katie had me smiling. Gotta hand it to that girl for providing some much needed comic relief when you’re dealing with this sort of ugliness:
The actual issue was that I was having all sorts of tension problems (broken needles, loopy tangled underside stitches, etc) and then after two nights of despair and at least five solid hours of sheer misery I realized that I was using an unsanctioned bobbin. Seriously. After five hundred attempts at rethreading the needle and rereading the manual and googling around for ideas and texting my poor friends (who all had better things to do than listen to me whine I’m sure) it was my stupid one tenth of an inch too tall bobbin that was sabotaging me. But at least I got the root of the issue, which ended up being hilariously easy to fix (hilarious in that you-laugh-but-kind-of-cry-at-the-same-time-because-it’s-so-pathetic-and-embarrassing way).
But at least at that lowest ever point in my sewing career I figured it could only get better from there. So I kept on keeping on. Slowly but surely I’m getting to know “Oh Brother” (my sarcastically pessimistic nickname for the sewing machine slash bane of my existence) and I’ve actually made some decent progress in the world of novice sewing. For example, I made this little fabric flag banner for the bean’s big one year birthday par-tay using small triangles that I cut out of various weekly fabrics.
I’m not going to say that it was easy. It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs. In fact, I refer to the debacle that was me attempting to sew that fabric banner as “The Real Situation.”
It took me waaaaaay too long and I probably legitimately cried ten times (we’re not talking whiny fake crying, we’re talking actual frustrated hot tears that you swipe away before anyone looks at you like you’re crazy for sew-crying). Give me a sledgehammer or a paint brush and I have no fear. But give me a robot with a motorized needle and I will show you the definition of misery. It’s just not something I can even remotely pretend to be good at. Oh well, I’ll learn. Or I won’t and I’ll get another hobby. Haha.
As for exactly how long it took, I’d guess that cutting each of the flags out took me about forty minutes in front of the TV (I used a cardstock template and placed it over the prewashed – so it was preshrunk – fabric). Then I hemmed each of the three sides of the triangle with Oh Brother, which took me well over five hours.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s just say there were a lot of do-overs and seam ripping and more tension issues but in the end I was left with around a dozen perfect enough triangles that I wouldn’t die from embarrassment if a teenage Clara looked closely at her beloved birthday banner (I hope the banner becomes a tradition for every b-day until the bean is too old to indulge me, so I don’t just want it to look not-terrible I want it to last for a while and look halfway decent). So although you see about 27 flags on the table above, so many of them were just garbage when you got any closer, so I picked my favorite dozen and tossed the rest unceremoniously into my rag pile.
Then in a stroke of desperation (or genius, you decide) I actually broke out some iron on hem tape to complete the project in about another half hour (for a total of 5.5+ hours spent).
It helped to lay out the remaining not-terrible flags on the floor to play around with order until I liked what I saw. Then it was just about firing up the iron and using my trusty hem tape to attach them to the blue ribbon that I already had laying around.
I’m pretty sure it would have easily been 10+ hours if I sewed each flag to the blue ribbon that I used for the top. But heck, I’m starting slow. I’m just glad I was able to sew those flags and not chuck Oh Brother out the slider in the sunroom (the problem with ranches is that you don’t get to dramatically drop things that you hate out of second story windows so you have to improvise). And iron-on hem tape is washable so it’s all good. And look at my little helpers. How cute were they to hang out in the kitchen while I tested my not-cursing-or-throwing-anything limits? They were some much needed sweetness for a pretty darn annoying personal challenge.
The banner looks fun and festive and it’ll be washable and hopefully will last for at least a decade or two, and best of all it was free except for the expense of Oh Brother (thanks to already having purchased each of the fabrics on clearance throughout the year for Clara’s weekly pics and using iron-on hem tape and blue ribbon that I already had).
But I’m still hoping that the sewing machine purchase will end up being worth it as I attempt more projects like a very very very simplified quilt for the bean and other house-related things (a few throw pillows, maybe some curtains, etc). I’m definitely going to start slow.
So there it is. The truth. I’m no Martha Stewart. I’m terrible at sewing and it makes me curse, sob, and scream into my pillow. But who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with that terrifying mechanical needle. Stranger things have happened…
Jacqueline says
You did great!!!! Loving the banner!!
laxsupermom says
The banner looks terrific! Sewing has a learning curve. You’ll get there. If you’re serious about making a quilt with the weekly fabrics, I’d suggest you try your hand at a rag quilt. You can google for instructions. There’s lots of good ones out there. Lining the fabric up for perfect corners can be really hard for a beginner, and a rag quilts bushy frayed edges will hide where your corners don’t line up exactly. Thanks for sharing.
Tiffany says
Congragtulations on finishing! It looks adorable. Don’t worry, I can’t sew either. Not even a button. In 8th grade,I got the wood shop award, beating out my now-husband! No home economics award for me!! Heels, jewelry, pink and sparkles……and wood saws and hammers?!?! That’s me!
Lisa says
I haven’t read all of the comments but chances are it’s not you. It’s the machine. I thought I wasn’t that great at sewing and constantly cursed at my $150 machine. Then my husband surprised me with a fantastic nice machine and it turns out that I LOVE sewing. There are a few things in the life that are worth the extra money and a sewing machine is one of them. That is, if you are going to use it. Mine has totally been worth the hefty price.
Paige says
Ugh, I hate my sewing machine, too. I got it for Christmas from my mother-in-law. It’s some weird brand I’ve never heard of (Baby Lock), and it will. not. thread. The bobbin is actually jammed right now in a big thread-y mess, and I’ve been getting to know Liquid Stitch all over again. I think it’s all I’ll ever need.
tracy_a says
BabyLock is a good brand! google for a babylock dealer near you and they will get you straightened out!
RobinDenning says
You have EVERYTHING you need to be a great seamstress.
You are detail oriented, you measure well, cut accurately and your ironing is top-of-the-line.
The fact that you spilled hot tears indicates you have the determination and desire.
Get a better sewing machine. Even a $200 Sears model is better than that Brother (sorry it is NOT good enough for you!!)
If you can score a Bernina, you will never regret it.
Hang in there! You did a great job on Clara’s banner and I really hope more of your fiberly talents emerge!!
Heidi says
You crack me up! My husband actually leaves the house when I get out the machine….he just can’t listen to the screaming, swearing and yes general hysteria that comes from my projects gone wrong. Alas I keep going as infrequent as it may be….
clampers says
Dude, people just do not understand that a sewing machine is a serious piece of equipment. This post reminded me so much of myself, especially the pic of the snarl of thread…and I totally know what you mean about hot tears. I feel your pain! Keep at it though!
Niki says
Great job! It is such a great feeling when you create your first “masterpieces” while sewing. You’ve inspired me to put up my latest sewing masterpiece (well, one of them) tomorrow. Too cute. Time spent sewing only gets more fun (and therapeutic).
Leslie says
I grew up with my mom cussing out her machine. And she is a fantastic seamstress. Just keep at it, you will get the hang of the whole thing. If you can do all of the stuff you post about, you can sew. :)
Dominique G. says
ha! Love this comment. I grew up with my mom cussing out her sewing machine too.
I think the fact that she had trouble managing the patience herself, when she was already knowledgeable, was a big factor in her not having taught any of her daughters to sew.
When we grew older and asked to learn, she got a kick out of seeing us curse and cope with the same frustrations. We’re laughing about it together when we foul-up now, though.
Jany Claire says
Ah yes, the bobbin and thread tension will get you every time! I still have occasional flare ups from my bobbin/tension. Sewing machines are super touchy, even for those experienced sewers. I used to think it was just me but after watching years of Project Runway and seeing those designers have the same troubles as me I don’t feel so bad. The banner you made is super cute! Just keep on trying, it’ll get easier over time. :)
Jyl says
Ooo- giiiirl!
My mother and I made curtains when I was about 9 years old, and she shared your frustration with her sewing machine. I learned all *kinds* of fun new adult words that summer. In fact, years later when she taught me how to drive, and she started the first lesson with “You don’t learn how to curse until you learn to drive” I reminded her that sewing with her was already lesson enough.
We had a good laugh.
Anyway, I feel your pain. Really I do. But it does get better. My tips are: Read the instruction manual. Thoroughly. Then read it again. Don’t use cheap thread. Obey the bobbin restrictions. Take care to wind an even bobbin, even if you have to do it slowly. And never, EVER turn the hand wheel in the direction th instructions tell you not to. You’ll throw the timing off and then the whole thing is junk.
Also, I know you’re a thrifty, but the electronic Brother machines are amazing because they have error codes so you know what the darn machine wants you to do to fix the problem! I got mine (Brother SQ-9000) on-line for $99 cos it was an opened box. If you ever upgrade, holiday shopping season is a great time for good prices.
Banner looks awesome. Good Luck! hugs and high fives!
Heather says
Well, you perservered! And that’s awesome! But, if you didn’t mind the zig zag edges, you could have just cut out your shapes with pinking shears…maybe for an xmas bunting!
Tracey says
I suck at sewing too. I once bought a really basic sewing machine and used it once. After that I forgot how to thread the stupid thing and since it was a floor model there was no manual with it. I sold it to someone on Craigslist. That bundle of thread gave me flashbacks and a cold sweat.
Jacci in Ohio says
Check you out!!! Way to go! :)
I totally cried (repeatedly) whenever I learned some new crafty deal. Cried when I learn to embroider. Cried when I learned to crochet. Cried when I learned to quilt. And, you guessed it, totally cried when I learned to sew! But now I can bust out a dress for the girls in nothing flat. No crying involved :) So keep at it, Sherry!
On a side note, I cracked up at the SKULL fabric. Pink with swirlies no less. Is there a story behind the skull fabric, or were you just determined to keep your first project from being too girly girl? ;)
~Jacci
YoungHouseLove says
That was from her weekly pic on Halloween! We put her in a pink tutu onesie instead of the regular white one (she was a ballerina for the day- haha) to keep the skulls from looking too crazy. It was one of our favorite weekly photos so we had to make sure it made it into the banner! Here’s the Halloween pic. Cute right? And not too scary even with the skulls I hope!
xo,
s
Kathie says
Sherry,
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, but have never commented. If you need help, feel free to contact me. I may be in Chicago, but sewing machines are my friends. There are some great online courses and there are also some great beginner books. Your banner was hard because it has points. Take some practice fabric or even paper with lines on it and just start sewing straight lines. Once you can sew straight lines reliably, move onto curves. Once you can sew curves reliably, you’re pretty much set. Also, something to note, your iron is your friend when you are sewing. Keep it close and keep it full of water to steam press as you go. Press seams open or to one side depending on what you’re doing. Also, pins are your friends. Just don’t sew over them. It’s easy to break a needle that way.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Kathie! Thanks for the support from Chicago!
xo,
s
Lora says
Your banner looks great!! It may not be perfect but who cares!
Handmade is just that. Made by loving hands, perfect or not.
As an experienced quilter/fabric artist I can tell you sewing well takes A LOT of practice and time. It’s not as simple as it looks. Good lessons are a must! There are so many tricks and tips which make all the difference. As well as learning about which tools to use. Truly “you get what you pay for” in machines. I hope you keep sewing. It is so fun and rewarding to make things from all the cool fabrics out there. Take some classes when you get a chance, you will be shocked at how much they help. Don’t give up :o)
Meredith says
Sherry, my hat is off to you. I took a beginning sewing class and the lady was sooooo mean! I then tried teaching myself some things at home, but sewing just wasn’t for me. In the end, I got rid of the sewing machine.
Rose says
Tension is by far the biggest issue with sewing simple projects (fit for clothing being the biggest challenge of them all). Add to that problem that each machine has a different set of quirks and you’ve got some tinkering to do. I always test new or thin or thick fabrics to see what tension the machine wants for that fabric. And, a bad bobbin is the WORST!
If you keep practicing you will improve. If you get through this hardest part, you will find that pillows and curtains and 1000 other things will be no sweat. I loved your banner!
Chelsea @ Adorning Alabama says
OMG!
I had the SAME tension issues for a YEAR. Figured it was because of my starter (Singer, $89) machine, and my inablity. I sewed the worst quilt ever with it, seriously atrocious. Like a huge bubble in the middle of it. But, for some reason my husband loves it!
Anyway, yep, bobbin issues. Who would have known you could tighten the bobbin?? I wrote about it here, and linked an AWESOME article that made so much sense.
http://adorningalabama.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-fixed-my-tension.html
Elizabeth says
This absolutely cracked me up!!! I am the same way! I have a Masters, 1/2 a PHD, I can cook, tear down things, do plumbing,and sew on a very complicated “french-stitch” sewing mackine. But put me in front of a home flat stitch sewing machine and I do the same things you described, the ugly cry, the swearing and all sorts of things that should go unmentioned. You deserve a hure round of applause, for your perseverance and tenacity! What a beautiful banner!
Barb says
I am SO glad you kept at it and figured out what the problem was. I have been sewing for 40+ years (I know that makes me sound ancient, but I was really young when I started, so I’m really not that old!) and I have gotten pretty good at it. But when my machine doesn’t cooperate, it is NOT PRETTY. So hopefully now that you’ve got your bobbin figured out, it will be smoother sailing.
Have you thought about taking a class at a local sewing center? Perhaps a basic quilting class? I took one years ago and consider it one of the best things I did in terms of improving my sewing skills. They teach you how to use a rotary cutter, for one thing, and that is an amazing tool that makes quick work of cutting out those little squares needed for a quilt. And down the line, you can use it when you make your own pillow covers and your own drapery panels.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes I’d love to take a local class or two (already hunted down some contenders). Goodness knows I need all the help I can get!
xo,
s
Joanna says
I totally recommend the class to at least feel comfortable with the machine. I bought an old-school Singer (1960s I think) off craigslist and it was very different than the one I used in class but having a basic, working knowledge of the machine definitely helped! Also, if they offer any private lessons at your local sewing shops, I recommend it b/c you can really learn a lot in a short period of time!
skye says
i totally had a vision of clara at her 21st birthday party having her picture made in front of 37 wonky pennant banners.
i haven’t touched a sewing machine in several years – since the 8th grade actually – so i’m not sure how well i would bode. you will probably find me frustratedly screaming into a pillow as well once i finally get up the nerve to buy one.
keep on keeping on! and if nothing else weld some of those sledge-hammering skills on oh brother and whip out the hemming tape and call it a day! :)
Kelly says
Isn’t it always something almost imperceptible like the bobbin being just slightly the wrong size – and then you feel annoyed at yourself for not figuring it out sooner, but so relieved that the problem is finally solved. I used to jam my mom’s sewing machine frequently, and later my own machine until I learned about appropriate tension settings. Today I’m a pretty decent sewer. You will get there!
Mad props to you for sticking it out! I guess you couldn’t exactly wave the white flag… ’cause you’d have to sew one first – haha. No really, you couldn’t give up because you’re not a quitter. Thanks for sharing this experience with everyone. It’s a great reminder that even people with many talents and skills are challenged by some things, and that doesn’t mean you can’t do it, it just means you have to work harder to get there.
Julianne HEndrickson says
OH MAN! I received a sewing machine for Christmas and LOVE it! I have also had many a meltdown when my bobbin won’t wind, or jams…I hate that stupid bobin! I actually went to the fabric store and had enough GAUL to ask a lady to help me. I mean, really? Who does that!? I have made many pillows and curtains though and it is SO much fun to buy fabric and make pretty things for your house. My next adventure is a runner…easy…just two pieces of fabric joined together in a long rectangle. Small goals…small indeed. Good luck!
chitra says
Totally out of topic..
Have you picked up a birthday dress for Clara yet?
Just curious as i have never seen in any party dress.
btw this post inspires me to learn some sewing.
YoungHouseLove says
No dress has been picked out yet but I’m sure we’ll find something in her closet (we have a ton of cute dresser) or one of the grandmas will swoop in with something! Haha.
xo,
s
dana828 says
I’m with you–I’m afraid of the sewing machine! I don’t remember being tragically bad at in in junior high home ec, but despite having had a mother who sewed many, many outfits, pillows, curtains, etc. throughout my life (including one of my prom dresses), I haven’t touched the machine since about 6th grade. When my mom passed away I kept her relatively new sewing machine…and it’s now been sitting in my garage for going on 3 years. I keep debating between gifting it to my sister-in-law (with the stipulation that she make me pillow covers whenever I request them), or keeping the damn thing and teaching myself how to use it. But first I’d have to order the instruction book online, as I seem to have thrown it away…
Brenda says
This is totally off subject, but I wanted to share this deer head project with you. It reminded me of your house color scheme.
http://ow2cb.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-deer.html
YoungHouseLove says
GORGEOUS! I love it so so so much!
xo,
s
AlexandraRS says
There’s one good piece of advice that is as true to console building as it is to sewing: Measure twice, cut once. I can’t tell you how many projects I’ve ruined because I got the measurements wrong or didn’t double check what I was doing. I’m envious of all those sewers who look so peaceful in front of their machines.
Lana says
Someone’s probably already mentioned this, but a lot of fabric stores offer free or low-cost beginning sewing lessons, or just “get to know your sewing machine” nights.
As a beginning sewer myself I’d say this was essential! That and youtube videos. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there!
Good luck, your projects look GREAT so far!!
~Lana
Andrea says
Congrats on the new machine and completed banner project. . . it is so cute! I come from a family of sewers and my projects always looked sub-par until I realized how valuable an iron and pins are when sewing. If you iron your fabric first, pin your seams meticulously and iron the seams after sewing you should have a more professional looking product. I used to say “iron, who needs it?” but I truly couldn’t believe how much of a difference it made for me.
Beatrice says
You did great. You put a huge amount of pressure on yourself to make something so precious as your first attempt. Clara will cry and hug you when understands this story.
Debby says
FYI — A much easier way would have been to just cut the triangles with pinking shears, then fold the top edge over and stitch through the ribbon. Oh well ~~ only problem would have been that washing them could have been a problem. You did good though. It looks great. Suggestion — take a beginner sewing class at JoAnn’s. It will make sewing much less frustrating. Another hint — anytime you have major problem with the thread — it normally means either the machine or the bobbin isn’t threaded properly. Of course, you do have to have the right size bobbins for your machine. I would have thought they would have come with it.
Dianne says
Sewing is something that gets better with time and experience…really! I love the banner – it is so special with all the fabrics from Clara’s first year. Time…patience…visualizing and a good seam ripper — in no particular order. In no time at all you will be making those dining room chair covers out of draperies you get on clearance somewhere. Speaking from experience, slip-covering (300+ yards) with piping, zippers and buttons is now my favorite (and relaxing) past-time.
Mona Alicia says
I hate sewing machines also, every time I try to sew a straight seam with my mama’s I end up screwing up the tension. I bought my girls some DIY American Girl outfits for Christmas thinking it would be a fun project for us to do together…it’s not.
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
I LOVE IT!!!! It came out great! I don’t sew either. But I might be using my mom’s sewing machine for curtains I want to make, so we will see. I think bobbins are evil little things buy the way. LOL! I always had a hard time with them in school when we learned to “sew”. I think I might sew better by hand. LOL!
Claire says
I have this same curse! My mother, grandmothers, even my father all have these amazing sewing skills that somehow did not get passed on to me.
I made a sock monkey as a Girl Scout and I famously confessed it looked like “a potato with legs”. (aka, not a screaming success)
I somehow got it into my head to make a t-shirt quilt one summer. I survived… barely. I totally had those tears-of-frustration moments you’re talking about.
Way to represent the sewing challenged! You are an inspiration. Good luck with your future projects!
Wendy says
So funny – I can paint, draw, DIY and all whip up all kinds of crafts, but I cannot sew. I’ve tried once to work with my mom’s sewing machine (that she has like from the 1970s and she still gets it to do beautiful things) and I end up with that same pile of knotted string that you had. But I do want to learn one day and will keep your recommendation of a sewing machine on the back burner when I get brave. I do love the bunting – I have a sort of obsession with buntings right now, as do many people I believe. They just make me happy.
Alie says
My sewing situation is SO similar! My mom sews (sewed her own wedding dress), and whenever she tried to teach me, I just could. not. get. it. Well done on the banner!
Dominique G. says
Stick with it, Sherry, and it’ll come to you!
I’m a pretty handy person, myself, across a range of interests. But with sewing? “Oh, Brother” is right!
Even with my (much experienced) mother sitting by, I’ve had my share of frustration, do-overs, and wooden swearing. I think it comes with the territory.
For me, sewing is still tedious, but I can at least muddle along now. And when it gets too trying, I just walk away. For a few days, even.
Like anything else you strike out to do yourself, the satisfaction when you’ve finished makes it worth the trouble.
Kara says
Oh man, a wonky bobbin will screw you every time.
Take a class! We have a local shop that repairs sewing machines (and vacuums?), and they offer classes. They had a “get to know your machine class” that was all about learning how sewing machines work, what you can do with them and how to troubleshoot. I’m in Charleston, WV, so I have to believe there’s something similar or better in your much bigger city.
tammylee says
your banner looks good. but i think you went about it the hard way, folding all those tiny hems and then trying to stitch straight aaaggghhh! if i could make a suggestion. if you had cut two triangles out of each fabric and sewn them together right sides facing it would have saved a few tears and time. after you sew two sides, turn right side out, fold in your last sides hem and either sew or use your iron on tape! presto easy peasy trianlges.
Farrah says
It’s strange… I hated sewing with a fiery passion, right up until I had my first child. And then suddenly I was seized with the desire to make her things. My husband (although confused) bought me a sewing machine for my birthday just before she turned one, and I’ve churned out a zillion things since. But I’ve cried those same tears, and I can confirm that it definitely gets better. Since the days when I resentfully learned the basics in junior high school home ec, even sewing has gone online – so now I can read instructions and tutorials that make more sense to me than the old-school patterns. My kids are now 1 and 3, and I just bought my first serger – years ago, I would have laughed if anyone had told me that I’d be taking this on as a hobby – but there it is. Even more bizarre (to me anyway) is that when I was pregnant with #2, I had the unstoppable urge to learn to KNIT. Those hormones must be powerful. My mom still can’t believe I’m doing this stuff.
Btw, if you are looking ahead to more banners (when this painful memory is behind you), the purlbee tutorial for Molly’s Party Garland is incredibly pretty in real life, and really forgiving for a beginner.
Jocelyn Stott says
Looks great! My friend, who is a costumer for films, swears by vintage sewing machines on craigslist. She always says the new ones are made out of plastic and always have issues like you were describing. With her assistance, I picked out a nice metal singer machine from our local craigslist and paid $30. I did have to spend another $30 on it to get it tuned up at a local sewing machine repair shop, but it works great.
Lindaroo says
Oh, you poor thing. I, too, learned the hard way about the finicky Brother bobbin, and I’ve been sewing for years! Plus you were sewing triangles, which means you were sewing on the bias; the diagonal edge where the threads criss-cross and the fabric stretches and buckles. Cut simple squares for Clara’s quilt, perpendicular with the weave of the fabric (along the grain, just like with woodworking), and they’ll go together much more easily.
Isabella says
I totally hear you!
Best sewing advice I ever got:
Hold the threads “back and to the left” before you start sewing each new seam.
You won’t believe how much less swearing and throwing there’ll be this way!
Kat says
Aww Sherry! It’s okay!
I got a sewing machine for Christmas and JUST finally mustered up the courage to open it up. It took me an hour to figure out how to FIND my bobbin. Aye yea yea. Did you know the front of the machine can come off??
I have only made one little project – haha, a sewing machine cover. It’s basically just hems and they aren’t even square to each other.
We’ll learn together!
(PS your bunting is super cute! I’m sure the bean will l-o-v-e it!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes I remembered where the bobbin was thankfully from growing up and breaking mom’s machine. Haha.
xo,
s
Angie k says
Oh, I feel your pain! My sewing machine, brand new, sat in the box for a year because I was so scared to mess up the pretty fabric I bought. i then stumbled on threadbangers and learned to not take it so serious. I started cutting up old clothes and making pillowcase dresses and tutus for my daughter. I still havent attempted anything with a pattern…bit baby steps, right? :)
I would recommend you have a container to throw old tshirts, stained clothes, etc. then, when you want to tru something out you wont feel bad for messing up any pretty fabric. (or maybe thats just me!)
Val says
Tension/bobbin issues are the absolute WORST, even for seasoned stitchers. When I worked in the costume shop and we were teaching new students to use the machines, the tension wheel was referred to as “that thing you’re not allowed to touch, ever.”
With that handled, it will be soooo much easier! Don’t give up! And don’t be too critical of yourself; nobody falls out of the womb knowing how to sew.